We have lived through three heatwaves already. The summer is still dragging on. UK homes were built to keep the cold out, which means they act like ovens in July. It is no surprise that people are looking for permanent ways to cool down.
I have air conditioning in my house now. Over a year later, it is hands down one of the best upgrades I have made. But if you are not staying forever, does it make sense financially? I wanted to know if installing AC boosts resale value. Experts weighed in.
The shift from luxury to necessity
High temperatures are becoming the new normal. Units can also provide heating in winter. They are cheaper and easier to get now. This makes them a sought-after feature.
‘Air conditioning is fast becoming a must have in the UK,’ says Karl McArdle, co-founder at The Property Buying Company. Not long ago, it was a luxury item. Now buyers see it as essential. Especially in apartments and south-facing homes that bake in the sun.
It won’t wow buyers like a loft conversion or a brand-new kitchen. But it helps a home stand out. In the higher end of the market, buyers expect these kinds of comforts. It gives sellers a bit of an edge on price.
How much value can it actually add?
Experts suggest a fitted system can add 1-3% to your property value. It also makes the property more attractive. That means a quicker sale.
‘As a guide, a decent, energy efficient system can add up to 3 percent to a property’s value,’ explains Cal Graham from We Buy Any Home. During a hot summer, that extra comfort might be the detail that makes a buyer pick your house over a similar one nearby. This is especially true in London and the South East.
Karl agrees. For the right property, a high-quality setup could add roughly 1-3 percent to the value. On a £300,000 home, that is between £3,000 and £9,000.
However, the real value is often less about the extra cash and more about speed. It attracts more buyers. It gives you a stronger hand in negotiations.
Buyers rarely pay a straight pound for pound return on the installation cost. Think of it as an aid to selling fast as much as a direct value booster.
How to maximise ROI on AC installation
If you plan to sell soon, you need to be strategic. Treat it like any other quality improvement.
- Choose modern efficiency. Pick a system that heats as well as cools. Buyers care about running costs. They look at EPC ratings.
- Keep the papers. Use a reputable, certified installer. Save all warranties and servicing records. Surveyors will want to see this proof of maintenance.
- Be discreet. Position units so they don’t ruin the look of the room or the street. Aesthetics matter.
- Check permissions. You may need planning permission or freeholder consent. Do not skip this step.
‘Position units discreetly… check whether you need planning permission or freeowner consent before you start.’
When could air conditioning hurt your sale?
Only if it is done poorly. Bad installations can devalue your home.
Bulky external condenser units can look out of place. Interior units that dominate a room feel oppressive. Both can put buyers off.
An old, noisy unit is a red flag. Buyers see a future repair bill, not a benefit. Poor maintenance signals neglect.
You must also be careful about legalities. If you do not have the right permissions, you can create a headache when selling.
‘In listed buildings or conservation areas,’ Cal warns, ‘an installation done without the right permissions can cause real problems later.’
So, is it worth it? It adds a competitive edge. It helps you sell faster. But it requires care. Get the right system. Install it correctly. And keep the paperwork safe. Otherwise, you might just be buying yourself a cooling bill and a headache.
